In Search of Color---too late.

Having traveled from all over the United States, the Eastern Sierra Nevada, Owens Valley and surrounding area are our favorites places. So off we went to find some color, and who knows what else.

On the way to Bishop, we stopped and drove up to the Bristlecone Pines to see if they were still there---as the oldest living things in the world, they make me feel young.









And we never tire of seeing the wonderful views of the Sierra Nevada at eye level----





The snowy tops were not a good sign for our search for color.

Continued in next post

[Edited on 12-1-2009 by DianaT]

[Edited on 12-2-2009 by DianaT]

So off to some lakes and streams in the Bishop area---

Opps---seems the cold has already hit



Even Tom kept searching for color



Hey, there is a great stand of Aspens!



and the looks we got when we told the fur children that the stream was too cold for swimming.





OH well, there were logs to walk on



and bigs sticks to find and the heater in the truck for drying off.



And more signs of winter



But since it was Veterans Day, it seemed appropriate that there still was color in the veterans part of the local cemetary.



[Edited on 12-1-2009 by DianaT]

We were on our way for a very quick visit with my mother-in-law in Grass Valley, but decided to take a little longer way to get there.

Back to Big Pine and a 75 mile great dirt road into Death Valley---does have some paved sections.



And more views of our favorite Sierra Nevadas







But we knew we were in the desert----



Thought about checking this out, but maybe next time



Saw one car before we arrived at the Ubehebe Crater





Didn't stop at Scotty's Castle this time----been there a few times, but will go again. We were off to Tonopah

Continued in next post

[Edited on 12-2-2009 by DianaT]

On the way to Tonopah we went through the old mining town of Goldfield---

Had to check out the local cemetery



But the most interesting thing was a local junk yard with a wonderful junk artist----





Maybe a bit of over kill, but it did not seem that way



Saw lots of side roads that we need to investigate---soon.

Tonopah



Once in Tonopah, we found a decent inexpensive motel---but could not quit thinking about Stephen King.



Clowns everywhere



Quite a collection--and this is only part of it



Loved this big guy



We think he arrived there in this car that is still in the parking lot



And somehow, it seem appropriate that this was next door.



Continued in next post

Ah. Now on 95. What no photos of any of the Special Hospitality Ranches?

The small museum in Tonopah and the self-guided old mine tour is well worth it.

The usual old equipment







But then there were strange creatures coming out of the mine shafts.





We met someone who told us we should take a back road up to highway 50----about 135 miles and much of it gravel, but it goes through the semi-ghost town of Belmont----

To be continued in next post

Belmont was an interesting place and since it is off season, no tourists. There are some new nice homes there, and some of the old ones are being restored---good place to visit.

Decided to try almost black and white, but not quite---still thinking about it.









The old court house to be restored



and for those who do not behave



And since a cold front was coming, we were glad they had the ability to clear the roads.


To be continued in the next post

[Edited on 12-1-2009 by DianaT]

[Edited on 12-1-2009 by DianaT]

We love the wide open spaces and the gravel road was made to order.



She wondered who those outsiders were.






Without a good map, we made a couple of wrong choices and ended up on Highway 50 further east than intended---and unlike many, we love that drive across Highway fifty. Spent the night in Fallon and then

John had never seen Pyramid Lake, so that is always a good reason to drive a direction.



Now we have proof that John saw Pyramid Lake---it really is a beauty and worth spending more time in that area.



Meant another gravel road to head into California---only knew we had crossed the state line when the gravel changed to pavement----



And around the Susanville area, Tom found his very favorite stuff in the whole world.





to be continued---Not done yet???? yikes

[Edited on 12-1-2009 by DianaT]

We actually did a big circle and ended up spending the night in Reno---but since we were still in search of color, we backtracked the next day to the northern beginning on Highway 49---always love that drive.



Ah ha---one branch still in color



The next day we took John's 91 year old mother for a drive---big circle up to the Malakoff diggings off Highway 49 and back to Nevada City on a dirt road----could not hike around the diggings, but did enjoy the ghost town

Restored and busy in the summer----closed now, so had to take a few pix through the glass











Note that the one tree still had a little color.

Last leg coming up in next post

When we left Grass Valley, we wanted to go through Markleeville (sp?) but it had snowed while we were in Grass Valley---not much, but just enough to close the passes. Dang--over 80 to 395 it was.

Only one last side trip---took a back dirt road over Conway Summit---a beautiful place we have been before, and next year we will get there for the color!

Why the color was gone



But it gave a little different view of Mono Lake



So much nicer than being down on 395.



And if comes out on the Virginia Lakes Road---always a pretty place.



Well, that was the last of the search for color----too late in the year, but still a great trip. While we can no longer backpack like we used to, the Sierra Nevada will always remain our favorite place.

I intended to take more pix on the way home, but I took a nasty spill and injured my shoulder----so, that's all folks

Diane, John, Tom and Maggie

Looks like you have a wonderful journey, Diane. Thanks for taking us with you.

There are so many interesting photos - but those Bristle Cone Pines you began with really spoke to my heart. It's been awhile since I've been up there but seeing them again I was right there with ya (altitude sickness and all - grin). Also especially like that first b&w in the ghost town.

These road trips are getting to be fun.

nena

Have done some traveling in my days and find California with its major diversity, one of the neatest places I have been.
Can't say it's the greatest, since I haven't been everywhere, but it has to be way up there.
The Sierras, the Coast from north to south, the Wine country, the 49er country, San Francisco, a world class city, the coast and Sierra redwoods, Yosemite and other national parks. The place is hard to beat. Do away with south of 10 and west of 15 would make it even better.

Now,now, down boys.

Wow you really cover some ground! Did you see the Black Cat Fireworks store in Tonopah? It's the only other reason to go there.

I found the "alternate" Conway Summit road on my USFS map------had not noticed it before even tho have been up to Green lakes and the Virginia lakes (long ago)--------strange I did not pick up on it, but then I am strange!! We will definitely check it out next summer.

We are going to spend Christmas in Independence, with much of my family, so hope to explore some of the mining roads in the Inyo Mts. then with the 3-4x4's that my kids have, and I will take mine too to rescue them when they get stuck.

Desert Cold is good (dry)------ocean cold is bad (wet)--------oceans are next to the "lands of the soggy toothbrush", as my Uncle used to call them. Not good!!! Brrrrrrrr.

Barry

Diane - you should have stopped by our marina and checked out the trees around our parking lot.

BMG

BMG.... Now that's some great autumn color. Next year I'm skipping the Sierras and coming to your parking area.

nena

I think I took this picture of an old truck in Goldfield. It was in the Panamint Valley of DV Park.

It's great to see political adversaries talking friendly on this thread.

OH heck, Barry and I agree on a few political issues---but we also have had several very good conversations about travel.

Quote:

Originally posted by Natalie Ann BMG.... Now that's some great autumn color. Next year I'm skipping the Sierras and coming to your parking area. nena

Careful---he might start a new business venture and charge admission to his parking lot.

Curt and Paulina, THANKS

Paulina, when I spotted the junk art cars in Goldfield, and convinced John they were worth turning around to see, you popped into my mind. I thought they were something you would also enjoy seeing.

Both of the Californias are great places to travel.

Diane

[Edited on 12-2-2009 by DianaT]

Quote:

Originally posted by Skipjack Joe I think I took this picture of an old truck in Goldfield. It was in the Panamint Valley of DV Park. It's great to see political adversaries talking friendly on this thread.

Thanks for the great photos. This is the first bajanomad thread I've bookmarked for future reference. Hopefully next fall the Ford Condominium will be rolling along the same roads.

Doesn't sound crazy to me, but maybe that says something about me. But I guess some water in Badwater once in a while or fishing for pupfish in Salt Creek are not the same.

Lots of beautiful places in the US to visit, but California is our favorite.

Thanks all for looking.

Diane